If you are wondering why there is a lack of news this week, it is because this is the week of Obon in Japan and many companies have the week off. We do not have anything comparable in the west, but things should pick up early next week.
And if you are wondering about the future of Dragon Ball, there is apparently a legal battle is ongoing between Shueisha (the manga publisher) and Capsule Corporation Tokyo (led by Akio Iyoku, Toriyama’s former editor) regarding the rights to Dragon Ball Super. This conflict is primarily over who controls the anime adaptation rights, as Shueisha retains the manga rights, while Capsule Corporation Tokyo aims to manage the anime and other media. This dispute is a major factor in the delay of new Dragon Ball Super anime content.
Rights Division:
Shueisha owns the rights to the Dragon Ball Super manga, but Akio Iyoku, who previously headed Shueisha’s Dragon Ball Room, formed Capsule Corporation Tokyo and acquired the rights to the anime, video games, and other media.
Production Impasse:
Because of this division, Capsule Corporation Tokyo cannot legally produce new anime content based on the manga without an agreement with Shueisha, and Shueisha cannot adapt the manga into anime without Capsule Corporation’s involvement.
Impact on Production:
This legal battle has created a standstill, potentially preventing the adaptation of the manga’s story arcs into anime.
Toriyama’s Involvement:
While Toriyama approved of Iyoku’s actions and the formation of Capsule Corporation, he was contractually bound to Shueisha and could only speak through them.
Potential Resolution:
Some sources suggest that the situation could be resolved if Capsule Corporation Tokyo obtains the manga rights from Shueisha.
This is a tricky situation and will probably take some time to resolve, but let’s hope there is a resolution soon for the fans and we dont end up like the 2000s where there is a decade long absence of Dragon Ball.
